There are several advantages of LED-backlit monitorsthe most important of which is reduced power consumption. They also tend to be much slimmer than their CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) counterparts. The BenQ V2420H ($299 list) hits the mark on both counts. This stylish 24-inch monitor costs only pennies a day to operate, and it delivers good overall image quality. It could have used a sturdier stand, however, and it's light on features.

//Compare Similar Products

Design
The V2420H measures just 0.75 inches around the sides and has a slight convex curve to its rear cabinet that prevents it from being the thinnest monitor to hit the labsthe super-slim AOC V22 ($249 list, 3.5 stars) retains that honor. Even then, the BenQ V2420H's slender profile and glossy black finish make it a handsome addition to any desktop. The 8.5-pound cabinet is supported by a round base and thin mounting arm, but just barely. The panel is heavy and wobbles at the slightest touch. Though the stand offers 20 degrees of forward/backward tilt maneuverability, it lacks support for height, swivel, and pivot adjustments.

Features
A round backlit power switch is positioned on the far right side of the lower bezel, while off to its left, tucked away on the bottom edge of the bezel, are 5 function buttons used to adjust image settings, select an input source, and choose a picture mode. It's hard to tell which button does what due to their dim labeling.

There are 6 picture modes with settings optimized for specific applications, including Standard, Movie, Game, Photo, sRGB, and Eco modes. The settings for Standard deliver the best all-around picture, while the Movie mode is too dark for everyday use. The Eco mode lowers the overall brightness, which in turn reduces power consumption (more on that later).

The BenQ V2420H's menu system is a snap to use and navigate through; the Display screen is where you go to adjust image position and to synchronize the clock and phase settings (with an analog signal only). Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Gamma, and Color Temperature adjustments can be accessed via the Picture menu, while the Advanced Picture menu lets you to select a picture mode, enable/disable dynamic contrast ratio, and change the aspect ratio.

The V2420H has DVI, VGA, and HDMI inputs, all of which are located at the rear of the cabinet. There's also a headphone jack back there, though not very convenient. A side-mounted jack would make it much easier to listen to tunes without having to reach around the back of the monitor to connect your headset. However, this model is missing in few other conveniences as well; there are no speakers or USB ports, and you'll have to supply your own cables if you decide to use the HDMI and DVI ports. On the upside, the V2420H comes with a 3-year warranty covering parts, labor, and backlighting.

Performance
The V2420H consumes very little powerthanks to its LED backlighting technology. It averaged 22 watts during my testing while operating in Standard picture mode. That's nearly half of what the same-sized HP LA2405wg ($379 direct, 3.5 stars) used. While in Eco mode, the V2420H used only 14 watts, but in my opinion the loss of brightness and diminished image quality really isn't worth the extra savings. Either way, the V2420H earns our Greentech stamp of approval for its energy efficiency.

While the 1920 by 1080 TN+ panel handled the DisplayMate color and dark grayscale performance tests with aplomb, it had trouble displaying the lightest shades of gray, which appeared white and washed out. If you require accurate grayscale performance, consider the Viewsonic VG2427wm ($299 street, 3.5 stars) instead; it aced the 64-Step Grayscale tests. The panel's 5-millisecond respond time delivered fluid video performance while displaying the Blu-ray disc version of 2012 in full HD (1080p), and the fast-moving first person shooter of Far Cry 2, played smoothly without stuttering or smearing. Small text reproduction was sharp and well defined. Off-angle viewing was less than stellar, as colors became weaker at around 155 degrees on either side of the screen (BenQ claims a horizontal viewing angle of 170 degrees).

The BenQ V2420H offers good performance, and its sleek, slim cabinet will appeal to users who are looking to add some style to their workspace. It doesn't offer nearly as many features as the HP LA2405wg, but it does have an HDMI port (the LA2405wg doesn't) and is a power miser. When it comes to all around value, however, the Asus VW266H ($309 list, 4 stars) is still one of the best deals around.

As a Contributing Editor for PC Magazine, John Delaney has been testing and reviewing monitors, HDTVs, PCs, servers, and other assorted hardware and peripherals for more than 14 years. A 13-year veteran of PC Magazine's...

Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service